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Hundreds from Sydney’s Greek community gather to commemorate the Greek Pontian genocide

The Greek Herald
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Hundreds from Sydney’s Greek community gather to commemorate the Greek Pontian genocide

About 400 people filled the Marana Hall in Hurstville on Wednesday night to commemorate Greek Pontian Genocide Remembrance Day.

The event, which was organised by Pontoxeniteas NSW, Panagia Soumela Sydney and Diogenes Wollongong, began with a heartwarming entry by Pontian youth dressed in traditional Greek costumes and carrying candles in remembrance of the 353,000 Pontian Greeks who lost their lives during the Greek Genocide committed by the Ottoman Turks.

  • Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.

Following closely behind the youth was His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who was the keynote speaker on the night, as well as other clergy from across Sydney.

In attendance was also a number of politicians and prominent members of the Greek community including, but not limited to, Christos Karras, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Peter Poulos MLC, representing the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Member for Rockdale, Steve Kamper MP, Frederick Nile MLC from the Christian Democratic Party, Vic Alhadeff, representing the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, the President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, Maria Anthony, the President of Panagia Soumela Sydney, Peter Papoulidis, and representatives from the Pontian Federation of Australia.

  • Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.

Official proceedings kicked off with the National Anthems of Australia and Greece, sung by the Australian Hellenic Choir, followed by a minute silence and a short prayer by Archbishop Makarios.

The Consul General then stood up and gave an address, stressing that the “struggle for recognition of the genocide continues.”

“It is our duty to know and honour our history. Not in order to attach blame, but to ensure that such heinous crimes are never repeated,” Mr Karras said.

  • Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.

This was followed by powerful speeches from Mr Poulos and Mr Nile. In his address, Mr Poulos read out a special message from the NSW Premier to mark and honour the day of remembrance of the Greek Pontian Genocide.

“I extend my support to members of the Greek community in New South Wales, commemorating the Pontian Genocide in which hundreds of thousands of men, women and children were killed and a civilisation devastated,” Mr Poulos read from Berejiklian’s message.

Throughout the rest of the night, there was also a number of talks on the importance of ‘Education and Truth’ and ‘Reflection’ when it comes to speaking and thinking about the genocide. These were given by descendants of survivors of the Pontian genocide such as Chrysanthi Diasinos and Kyle Klazidis.

Marios Anthony, Eleni Lambousis and Anastasia Papastefanou, who were all Pontian youths dressed in traditional costumes, then gave an insight into what recognition of the Greek Pontian genocide means for future generations.

  • Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.

This was followed by a short panel featuring representatives from the Joint Justice Initiative, including members of the Greek, Armenian and Assyrian communities.

But of course, the highlight of the night was the keynote speech by Archbishop Makarios, which focused on the Pontian culture, its destruction at the time of the genocide, as well as how the church is a “keeper of the faith” and a “provider of education.”

  • Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.

“Everyone who is responsible should be ashamed. The younger generations need to bring out the truth because one of the phases of genocide is to forget our history. We will not forget our history. We will not forget who we are. We will not forget where we come from. We are not afraid to say that we are Pontians,” Archbishop Makarios said passionately, drawing loud applause and cheers from the crowd.

The night concluded with a musical piece, Anastero ta Palia, performed by Ilia Theodoridis and Kosta Papoulidis, before everyone gathered for the traditional group photo, with many holding plaques given to them by the three Pontian Associations of NSW on the night.

A powerful event which was incredibly insightful for all who attended.

  • Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.

Leaders in Greece and Australia send messages to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete

The Greek Herald
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Leaders in Greece and Australia send messages to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete

Today, May 20, is the 80th anniversary of the start of one of the most dramatic battles of the Second World War – the Battle of Crete.

To mark the occasion, a number of prominent individuals from the Greek community have sent special messages. This includes Tony Tsourdalakis, President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and NZ, Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

This is what they had to say.

Tony Tsourdalakis, Cretan Federation of Australia and NZ:

The anniversary of the Battle of Crete will be etched in our memory forever, unfortunately for the wrong reasons. This Golgotha ​​we went through has affected our lives, it has changed the mentality of the people, it has brought ups and downs in their world economies, but nevertheless we will not let this pandemic derail us, our thoughts about the struggles of the Cretan people and not only during the Battle of Crete.

Given the self-sacrifice of our ancestors, and the struggle they gave in Crete in 1941 against the Germans, we will keep them as a torch of light and shining examples for us future generations that have a sacred obligation to continue to commemorate the great historical event we promote to our children, but above all to commemorate the dead.

Full message in Greek HERE.

Tony Tsourdalakis (left) with Archbishop Makarios (centre) at a commemoration for the Battle of Crete in Melbourne.

Archbishop Makarios, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia:

It is not by coincidence that we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete in the same year that we also commemorate the Bicentenary of the Hellenic Revolution. The heroes of 1941 were the genuine descendants of the heroes of 1821, thus, confirming that in all our veins flows the blood of martyrs, who died for our Faith and heroes, who fought for the liberty of our Nation.

For this reason, we pay tribute to their sacrifice and honour their integrity and valiant spirit. They were not afraid to give up their life because, through their faith, they overcame death. Their entire life was a journey in eternity. They already tasted the sweet fruits of eternal union with Christ and this was the secret that gave them the fortitude to bravely confront death and not flinch at the prospect of the temporary departure of the body. Those who fought in the Battle of Crete were genuine Hellenes, who not only learned to live but who also learned how to die. Death was not loss; it was victory and gain.

ANZACs, Greek and the British fought valiantly in the Battle of Crete.

My dear friends, the provocation for all of us who commemorate those who fought in the Battle of Crete is to make our life on earth a passage for eternal life in Christ. It is not how we die, that should concern us, but how to live in such a way that when we do die, we join the myriad of heroes and the choir of saints who share in the joy and blessedness of Christ’s eternal presence.

It is our sacred duty, to learn from our glorious history and to pass on to the future generations, the values of our Hellenic heritage together with the convictions of our deep and unshakeable Orthodox faith. Only in this way, can we claim to honour this commemoration and be genuine children of our stout-hearted ancestors. It is my prayer and hope that these thoughts will find a practical application in all our lives.

In closing, I call upon the President, the Committee and all the members of the Cretan Federation of Australia, the abundance of the Lord’s blessings and I remain. Archbishop MAKARIOS.

Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison:

In May 1941 Australian, New Zealand, British and Greek soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder with the Cretan people to defend their island from invasion.

Vastly outnumbered and facing an enemy buoyed by recent success, almost 800 Australians were killed or wounded, and over 3000 captured.

And although the island ultimately fell, we will never forget the heroic Cretan struggle to retain control of their homeland, nor the compassion of those who sheltered Allied soldiers following defeat.

Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, has sent a message commemorating the Battle of Crete.

Eighty years on, we commemorate these historic events, and honour the many civilians and soldiers who were wounded or killed in battle.

We also celebrate the enduring bonds between Australia and Greece forged from out of that terrible experience.

Today, the friendship between our communities remains strong, underpinned by our long-standing political and people-to-people links and shared history in war and peace.

I send my best wishes to everyone commemorating the Battle of Crete.

Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis:

The Battle of Crete was a major development in World War II as it weakened the invasion of the invaders, influencing the development of Axis military operations in the wider region and remains one of the most representative historical examples of the struggle for freedom and independence.

The people of Crete, despite the fact that they knew very well that the hopes for victory were few and that they were in the last free region of mainland Europe, took up arms spontaneously and with the limited means at their disposal selflessly defended their island.

*Messages as conveyed to the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand

Full message in Greek HERE.

Greek Evzones dressed in Pontic costume honour victims of genocide in Athens

Andriana Simos
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Greek Evzones dressed in Pontic costume honour victims of genocide in Athens

Hundreds of people gathered in Athens’ Syntagma Square on Wednesday to mark Greek Pontian Genocide Remembrance Day and honour the over 350,000 Greeks who were massacred at the hands of the Ottomans in the early twentieth century.

People watched the changing of the guard in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, as two Evzones dressed in traditional Pontic costume honoured the memory of the genocide victims.

The Parliament building was also lit up on Wednesday night using an image symbolic of the Pontic Greeks to mark remembrance day.

Two Evzones dressed in traditional Pontic costume honoured the memory of the genocide victims.

Greek President & Mitsotakis: ‘We honour their memory’

Greece’s President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, said in a statement on Greek Pontian Remembrance Day that “we honour the memory of the hundreds of thousands of Pontian Greek victims who were exterminated in an inhuman and heinous way a century ago.”

“At the same time, we acknowledge the heroic lives of the Greeks of Pontus who were saved and contributed the most to the recovery and progress of the motherland, and to the economic development and the richness of our cultural identity.”

“Today is a vivid and enduring reminder to the entire international community of the great importance of morality, responsibility and forgiveness for the peaceful co-existence of peoples.”

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, also tweeted about the important day, saying:

“102 years later we remember, we fight, we rally. Pontian Hellenism does not forget, it moves forward. Their lyre will mourn the uprooting and their musical bow will sing hope. And the day of remembrance of the Genocide will remain important until it turns into a Day of Justice.”

Mitsotakis also visited the Municipality of Kalamaria on Wednesday, where many Pontian Greeks fled to during the genocide and according to the Prime Minister, “they rebuilt it with a lot of effort.”

“We honour their memory by continuing the fight for historical justice,” he wrote.

Battle of Crete: The facts behind one of the most important battles of WWII

John Voutos
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Battle of Crete: The facts behind one of the most important battles of WWII

This week marks the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Crete. While the Germans eventually managed to conquer Cete after a 13-day battle, it nearly came at the price of an entire air-borne division. In the face of crippling supply shortages and devastating Axis advancement, the Allied forces fought alongside the Cretan people. The Greek Herald takes a look at the largest air borne invasion ever attempted by Nazi Germany.

1. Who was involved? The Axis powers, Germany, and Italy, faced an army almost twice the size of theirs, consisting of Greece, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. Just over 23,000 Germans and 2,700 Italians joined forces to take on just over 42,500 Allies.

2. A historic and defining moment of WWII. The largest air borne invasion ever attempted by Nazi Germany and Germany’s worst airborne disaster. The operation was planned by Germany to be the first air-based invasion in history.

Nazi German paratroopers landing in Crete. Photo: German Federal Archives – Sammlung Library of Congress.

3. The Battle of Crete lasted only 13 days. The Battle of Crete was fought during WWII, commencing on the morning of 20 May 1941, and lasting until 1 June 1941.

4. Background. German High Command began considering how to invade Crete. Some wanted to focus on the imminent invasion of the Soviet Union, and let the Allies have the island. But others, including Hitler, were concerned about the danger British forces posed on Axis operations in the eastern Mediterranean. With Crete as a base, the British Royal Air Force could attack naval convoys and their bombers could strike at the vital oil fields in Romania. Playing on these concerns, an aerial invasion of Crete was heavily advocated to bypass the Royal Navy and seize control of the island.

Nazi German paratroopers landing in Crete. Source: Arthur Conry, digitised and edited by Wiki-Ed.

5. Operation Mercury. The initial invasion force consisted of 750 glider troops, 10,0000 paratroopers, and 5,000 mountain infantries. The three groups were given mythical codenames to fit with Operation Mercury. Group West was named Comet, Group Centre was named Mars, and Group East was named Orion. These groups were directed to target Maleme, Souda Bay (Rethymno), and Heraklion, respectively. The capture of Malime, the largest airfield of Crete, would allow the rapid deployment of supplies and reinforcements to secure the island.

6. How it all came to an end. British naval dominance and ANZAC allies kept Crete safe for a month following the invasion of Greece. The Allies faced critical supply shortages. Equipment shortages were so severe that in many places, Allied soldiers were forced to dig defensive positions with their steel helmets. Ammunition was in short supply. While they still outnumbered the invaders by a wide margin, dwindling food and ammunition were taking their toll on the defenders, and enemy air superiority proved devastating. This led many Cretans to evacuate to Egypt and therefore concede defeat.

Two ships at Suda Bay are hit by German bombers. Source: IWM Collections.
 

7. The Cretan resistance was birthed just two weeks after the Battle concluded.

8. The price paid. 6,000 men were killed and nearly 300 aircraft were destroyed. These losses led Hitler to conclude that resources would never again by used in a large-scale airborne invasion. At least one German battalion lost over two thirds of its men within the first few hours of 20 May 1941. The Cretan people took advantage of the invaders’ weaknesses, attacking paratroopers as they landed, and leaving behind a graveyard.

9. The razing of Kandanos. The Battle of Crete led to the razing of Kandanos in western Crete. It was destroyed for atonement of the killing of 25 German soldiers. In retaliation for the murder of a paratrooper platoon by an ambush of armed men and women, Kandanos was destroyed and about 180 Cretans were killed on 3 June 1941. For the brutal murder of German paratroopers, and because men, children, and priests dared to resist to the Great Reich, Kandanos was destroyed so that it will never be built again. Kandanos has been rebuilt, with a local war memorial, since.

Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria partners with Moray and Agnew Lawyers

The Greek Herald
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Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria partners with Moray and Agnew Lawyers

The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) yesterday announced a new partnership with leading national law firm, Moray & Agnew, who will be providing pro bono legal advice to ECCV to support its work advocating for Victoria’s migrant and refugee communities.

Moray & Agnew will be offering legal support in the areas of governance, employee relations and contracts as part of the corporate sponsorship agreement with ECCV.

“We look forward to working with Moray & Agnew to strengthen ECCV’s capacity to advocate for and support our members as our organisation evolves,” said ECCV Chairperson Eddie Micallef.

The partnership builds on Moray & Agnew’s induction in March as a Campaign Ambassador for ECCV’s anti-racism campaign, All One Together, a collaborative platform for business, local government, not-for-profit organisations and community groups to innovate and take positive actions to tackle racism.

Moray & Agnew Melbourne Managing Partner, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, said the corporate partnership with ECCV was aligned with the firm’s approach to social responsibility and commitment to social justice.

“We’re proud to be supporting Victoria’s migrant and refugee communities through our partnership with ECCV, which has been advocating for migrants for more than 45 years,” Mr Papastergiadis said.

“We take our responsibility as a strong corporate citizen seriously. A number of our partners are involved with community-based organisations that work with diverse ethnic groups and we are pleased to be broadening that support through ECCV,” he said.

Mr Papastergiadis is also president of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria, a core member of the ECCV.

“The Greek Community has a proud and longstanding association with ECCV and as our multicultural community evolves, established and vibrant migrant organisations like the Greek Community can play an important role in mentoring and supporting newly arrived communities,” Mr Micallef said.

“Our partnership with Moray & Agnew is a great example of strong community leadership,” he said.

Moray & Agnew is a signatory to the National Aspirational Pro Bono Target and provides pro bono legal services across the country to assist community organisations and disadvantaged sectors of society.

“Our Melbourne office’s connection with the diverse range of ethnic communities that thrive and those that are developing in Victoria has underpinned our expansion particularly in commercial work,” said Moray & Agnew National Managing partner, Geoff Connellan.

“Bill and his team have deep connections with those communities, so we are excited to give back through this corporate partnership, including an innovative pro bono arrangement which fits neatly into our national pro bono strategy.”

The Battle of Crete told through the brushstrokes of New Zealand’s war painter, Peter McIntyre

The Greek Herald
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The Battle of Crete told through the brushstrokes of New Zealand’s war painter, Peter McIntyre

Peter McIntyre was 31-years-old when he decided to join the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in London, who looked to join the Greek and Australian forces in repelling the German invasion on the Greek island of Crete.

Peter McIntyre quite literally ‘paints a picture’ of what fighting the Germans on Crete was like in his collection of tragically beautiful artworks, which tell a story themselves.

However, in order to understand McIntyre’s journey even deeper, The Greek Herald spoke with the legendary war artist’s daughter, Sara McIntyre.

War through the eyes of a painter

Although born in the New Zealand city of Dunedin, McIntyre studied art at the Slade School of Fine Art in England. In the outbreak of the Second World War, McIntyre was unable to join the British army, instead enlisting in the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) that was being raised in London.

McIntyre was sent to Egypt where his art skills gained the attention of Major General Bernard Freyberg, New Zealand’s seventh Governor General who became a famous WWI and WII war veteran. Recognising his skills with a pencil, Freyberg appointed him New Zealand’s official war artist.

Forward Dressing Station Near Meleme. Photo: Supplied

According to historian Jennifer Haworth, McIntyre remained in Egypt during the Greek campaign, but eventually made his way to Crete following the disastrous result on the mainland. It’s here where McIntyre documents his war journey through sketches, as well as in his book, Peter McIntyre: War Artist.

“At the end of the war on a return visit to Crete I visited this same house and a weeping woman told me how when we retreated, the Germans shot her husband because we had used her home,” McIntyre writes, speaking about a house he once took shelter in after being pinned by German sniper fire.

“In one Cretan village I visited they had lined up all the men, 11 of them, and machine-gunned them down on the suspicion they might have sheltered a New-Zealander.”

Peter McIntyre, General Hospital Crete, 20 May 1941. Photo: Archives New Zealand

McIntyre’s book tells more tales of the disastrous Cretan campaign. The artist notes that he didn’t have much time to create large paintings due to always being on the move, drawing small sketches instead. McIntyre transferred his sketches into larger designs once back in Egypt.

“We had little artillery, some French guns without proper sights, and practically no transport,” McIntyre said in his book.

“We had no air cover. It was no way to fight a difficult battle, and yet we very nearly won.”

“That is the tragedy of it.”

McIntyre’s Legacy

Sara McIntyre grew up most of her childhood life never seeing her father’s war paintings, which were kept in archive storage. After her father’s war book published in 1981, an exhibition of his war paintings was shown for the first time since the war in 1995. This was also the year her father passed away.

Sara said she journeyed to Sfakion with her children in 1977, not knowing that her father had been to the same town, which he regards in his book as the “luckiest place on earth”.

“In Sfakion i went to a taverna. The men were all sitting outside in traditional clothing and they nodded and smiled,” Sara said to The Greek Herald.

Machine gunners on alert at dawn, behind their World War One style Vickers machine gun. Photo: Supplied.

“I was traveling with my twin sons who turned four that day. I said, ‘Papa? Nea Zelandia. Kraut’ and did a throat cutting gesture.”

“The men cheered and raised their glasses. It was drinks all round and my boys were fed.” 

“I have certainly felt a connection to Crete ever since.”

Sara McIntyre upholds her father’s artistic legacy through the digital lens of a camera, shooting New Zealand’s picturesque landscape.

“With my own work, my father talked about the landscape, the light, all the time. I took such conversations for granted but now realise how much he influenced how I look at scenes,” Sara said.

“His war paintings and drawings tell a story. My photography is often to tell a story. He gave me an appreciation of landscape and people.”

Life as an early 20th century woman in Castellorizo told through NSW Association’s costume exhibition

The Greek Herald
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Life as an early 20th century woman in Castellorizo told through NSW Association’s costume exhibition

Ever wanted to know what a Castellorizian woman from the early 20th century wore on the night of her wedding?

Guests at the ‘The Castellorizian’ were treated on Monday to a grand tour of the Castellorizian Association of NSW’s new costume exhibition, entitled ‘Castellorizian Women’s Traditional Dress: A costume for all seasons’.

Prior to an exhibition tour, attendees and honourable dignitaries gathered in The Castellorizian’s new function room to hear a message of thanks from the Castellorizian Association’s Secretary coordinator of History and Archives, Victoria Kazaglis Gallagher.

Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos

“The history and archives committee was re-established in 2014 by two passionate Castellorizians, Nicholas Malaxos and Tasha Vanos… within no time, I jumped aboard the history train and joined these two knowledgeable gentlemen and with no funds, but a great deal of knowledge, we began to host exhibitions in Sydney and other states,” Victoria Kazaglis Gallagher said.

The History and Archives coordinator spoke about the success of the Association’s two-volume migrant book series, which presents over 130 family stories and 700 precious old family photographs produced and self-published by the History and Archives Committee.

Victoria also revealed how invaluable the late Anna Koutsis was in the development of not only the costume exhibition, but the whole History and Archives Committee, pushing for growth until her sad passing in February this year.

  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos
  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos
  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos

“The generosity of the Koutsis family didn’t end there. John Koutsis (husband to the late Anna) then chose to create a lasting memory for Anna by creating glass cabinets, which can be viewed tonight, and allowing us to display items of value that otherwise could not have been displayed,” Victoria said. The son of the late Anna Koutsis’ also said a brief thanks to Victoria and the Castellorizian Association of NSW for recognising Anna’s longstanding contribution.

Victoria went on to individually thank every community member who contributed to the establishment of the large exhibition now on display.

Dignitaries present at the event included Matt Thistlethwaite, Member Kingsford Smith, Konstantinos Giannakodimos, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney Christos Karras, and Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney. The exhibit was also sponsored by Randwick City Council through their Creative Community Program.

Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos

“The history of the Dodecanese, and especially that of Kastellorizo, is strongly connected to the history of Greek migration in Australia,” Giannakodimos said.

“The role of Castellorizian women in this history is of high significance, surviving difficult living conditions and meeting the needs of the household as the men were engaged in trade and shipping.”

Following the speeches, half of the attendees were taken downstairs to experience a narrative tour from two of the History and Archives Committee members.

“Ever since clothes were invented, they have been the perfect vehicle to represent society, including our place in society and the rights of passage we all go through,” one of the exhibition hosts said.

  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos
  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos
  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos

“Our exhibition, Nyfes, Kores, Gynes, showcases the phases of a girl’s journey through to womanhood.”

Guests were then introduced to Chrisofina and Evangelia, who were two young women born and raised on Megisti, and were taken through the stages of their lives through the various costumes and photos on display.

Also on display were old pieces of clothing, including shoes and jewellery, that had been handed down through generations and eventually donated to the History and Archives Committee.

SA’s Cypriot pensioners combat loneliness with fortnightly meals

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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SA’s Cypriot pensioners combat loneliness with fortnightly meals

Life is better when we share! 

Last Wednesday, like every fortnight for the last four years, members and friends of South Australia’s Cyprus Community Pensioners Association gathered at the community centre in Welland, Adelaide to socialize and share a meal of ‘Lamb Kleftiko’.

“These meals started with 45 people and we had 130 in our last one held last week” president of the Association, Christos Ioannou, tells The Greek Herald. 

“They are a great chance for the elders of the Cypriot and the wider Greek community to come together. They usually start with Bingo in the morning and end in the afternoon,” Mr Ioannou says, explaining that his goal is to increase the number of people who attend the meals, to at least 200.

“Everyone who is of Cypriot background or interested in the culture is welcome to attend. We also organise day trips around South Australia twice a year to keep things interesting and entertain our members,” concludes the President. 

The Association’s next fortnight meal will be held on Wednesday, May 26th at the Cyprus Community Cultural Centre in Welland, Adelaide.

*An afternoon tea organised by the Ladies Auxiliary will take place on Sunday 23rd of May 2021 – 2pm with a Presentation on the first Greek Cypriots in South Australia and guest speakers Dr Maria Shialis. For Tickets and more information call Thekla on 0417 579 428 or Mirianthi on 0412 308 412.

Cyprus qualifies for Eurovision Grand Final while Australia sees early exit

The Greek Herald
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Cyprus qualifies for Eurovision Grand Final while Australia sees early exit

Cyprus qualified for the grand final of the 65th annual Eurovision Song Contest while Australia’s pre-recorded video performance failed to progress past the first semi-final round.

Representing Cyprus was 26-year-old Elena Tsagkrinou, who performed the song “El Diablo.”

Born in Athens in 1994, at the age of 14 she took part in the talent show ‘Greece Got Talent’, reaching the semifinals. Throughout the years, she has performed on the biggest music shows in Greece and Cyprus, at a number of concerts and she has collaborated with many other famous Greek artists such as Konstantinos Argyros and MELISSES.

Her Eurovision song ‘El Diablo’, which is heavily influenced by Swedish singer and songwriter Zara Larsson’s ‘Love Me Land’, earned great audience reception upon release, clearly gaining the attention of the Eurovision audiences as well.

Producers used visual effects to give a glitchy look to Montaigne’s high-energy “live-on-tape” performance at Eurovision. (AP: Peter Dejong)

Alongside Cyprus, Norway, Israel, Russia, Malta, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Sweden, Belgium and Ukraine made it through to the Grand Final. Excluded from this list is Australia, who to failed to reach the final since the country’s debut in 2015.

Australia were represented by Montaigne’s song ‘Technicolour’, which was performed via a pre-recorded video.

Although dazzling audiences with technicolour lighting and eye-catching choreography, Montaigne didn’t get a majority vote and was sent out of the competition in the semi-final round.

Greece, who will be taking part in the second semi-final round, are represented by Stefania Liberakakis who will be performing her hit ‘Last Dance’.

The Eurovision entryis written by a team of Eurovision veterans including Dimitris Kontopoulos (You Are The Only One and Shady Lady), Greek production team Arcade and Sharon Vaughn (Scream and Waterline).

“Our whole team believes a lot in our song that we have this year. A prediction does not make sense. We put all our efforts to have an excellent stage presentation and we want Greece and the Greeks wherever they are to feel proud of the result they will see,” Stefania told local media.

Anna Ntountounaki becomes first female Greek swimmer to win gold at European Championships

The Greek Herald
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Anna Ntountounaki becomes first female Greek swimmer to win gold at European Championships

Anna Ntountounaki has made history in the women’s 100-metre butterfly in Budapest, becoming the first Greek woman to win a gold medal in swimming at a European Championships.

Ntountounaki claimed a joint-gold with France’s Marie Wattel, who both hit a 57.37. Louise Hansson from Sweden rounded out the podium with a 57.56.

Ntountounaki drastically improved upon her 5th place finish back in 2018 when she swam a 57.77 national record in the event. Her 2021 victory of 57.37 allowed her to further lower the record.

Nery Mantey Niangkouara is the only other Greek woman who has ever pulled off a podium finish, taking bronze in the 100-metre freestyle both in 2004 and 2006, as well as bronze in the 50-metre freestyle in 2012.

Ntountounaki competed in the women’s 100-metre butterfly event at the 2016 Summer Olympics, finishing 17th in the heats but still claiming a time of 58.27 seconds, which was a new national record at the time. She has also taken part in the past three World Swimming Championships for Greece in 2015, 2017, and 2019.

Thus far, Ntountounaki is the only Greek woman to have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics for swimming and is slated to race the 100 butterfly this summer.

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